The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's land-pooling policy in Punjab has ignited a firestorm of opposition, uniting various farmer organizations and individual farmers. This controversial policy, aimed at acquiring over 65,000 acres of land across 21 cities for urban development, is being criticized as a "land grab" that threatens the livelihoods and fertile farmlands of Punjab's farmers.
Under the Land Pooling Policy 2025, the AAP government seeks to develop residential, commercial, and industrial zones by encouraging landowners to voluntarily surrender their land in exchange for developed plots. For every acre pooled, farmers are promised a 1,000-square-yard residential plot and a 200-square-yard commercial plot, with larger contributions yielding proportional returns. The government claims this will curb illegal colonies and promote planned urban growth, projecting revenue of Rs 20,000 to 25,000 crore to fund initiatives.
However, opposition parties and farmer unions have vehemently opposed the policy, branding it as exploitative. Critics, including Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal, have labeled it a "ponzi scheme" designed to benefit private developers and AAP associates, lacking the safeguards of the 2013 Central Land Acquisition Act. Farmer unions, under the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, warn that the policy could displace thousands of farming families, particularly in Ludhiana (45,861 acres targeted) and Mohali (6,285 acres), threatening Punjab's agricultural backbone.
In response to mounting protests, the Punjab Cabinet recently approved an amendment to the policy, increasing annual compensation from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 per acre and offering commercial plots for as little as one kanal of pooled land. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann insists the policy is voluntary, with no forced acquisitions, and farmers can continue farming until development begins. A Letter of Intent (LoI) will be issued within 21 days of consent, which farmers can use to secure loans.
Despite these assurances and amendments, distrust persists among farmers. Several panchayats have refused to join the land pooling initiative, stating that it is less lucrative compared to earlier land acquisition policies. Concerns remain that farmers with land up to 3 kanal are not being offered any commercial space, potentially displacing them without providing opportunities for re-employment.
Punjab Minister Aman Arora has defended the land pooling policy, accusing opposition parties of hypocrisy for political gains. Arora argues that the framework for the current land pooling model was originally introduced by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP government. He also claims that the new policy aims to ensure transparency and fair development, promoting planned urban growth and benefiting landowners by allowing them more flexibility and participation.
The opposition, however, remains unconvinced. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has accused the AAP government of trying to cheat the farmers by promising compensation that it is not in a position to pay. Farmer unions are planning flag marches and a joint protest on July 30 to oppose what they see as a threat to Punjab's agrarian economy. Farmers are being urged to report issues with the policy to local authorities or through platforms like the RMN News portal to document grievances and seek accountability.
As tensions rise, the policy's implementation remains a contentious issue, with farmers vowing to protect their land and livelihoods. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of the land pooling policy and its impact on Punjab's agricultural landscape.
